Regular readers of this blog blog if such a creature exists will know I go to Melbourne most years in June for the Model Expo. This year I managed a 4 day trip which I thoroughly enjoyed.

It was not all modelling with even a  bit of culture slipped in with a Van Gogh exhibit.

  • I managed my usual visits to Metro Hobbies and Hearns without spending a cent.
  • Also looked in on Mag Nation. This shop used to extend over 3 floors but they have closed off the top floor recently. Whilst the magazine offering used in be good this has fallen off mark and I won’t be going back again. My local newsagent does better and for a city one this is poor.
  • I also went to Hylands bookshop which has moved again. This is the 4th location over the years. I bought 2 books with 1 being on Australian scorched earth plans in the event of a Japanese invasion in WW2. The other is yet another Justo Miranda L46 book. The move is not a good one. They are now located in a defunct movie theatre. Whilst the back wall has had the typical black material taken off the remaining 3 walls are black and being a theatre half is òn a slope with multiple levels. Whilst there are multiple lights on the walls trying their best it is dark in a lot of it. My camera flash worked overtime to get the shot.I think this may be their final destination. Finding it is not easy with no clear signage at street level and it is up an escalator , down a corridor and then up some stairs. I might have bought more if I could have seen the stock clearly. Bit sad to see this incarnation.